The Electric Vehicle Charging Station Zoning Act establishes a framework for the permitting and installation of electric vehicle charging stations within county and municipal zoning districts in New Mexico. The act defines key terms such as "electric vehicle," "electric vehicle charging station," and "electric vehicle supply equipment." It designates the installation of these charging stations as a permitted use, eliminating the need for a use variance, and mandates that zoning authorities develop an expedited permitting process. Applications for permits will undergo administrative review without public hearings, focusing solely on compliance with existing codes, while restrictions on installation will be limited to those necessary for code compliance.
Additionally, the act stipulates that parking spaces designated for electric vehicle charging will count towards minimum parking requirements, with spaces meeting disability accessibility standards counting as two spaces. Zoning authorities are required to provide a checklist for permit applications and must inform applicants of any deficiencies within fifteen days. If no response is given, the application will be considered complete after sixteen days. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2025.